Toews Shaping Up To Be One Of The Best Players In Blackhawks History

A franchise with a storied history, an original six team, the Chicago Blackhawks are one of those teams with an abundance of Hall of Fame players that have walked through those doors. A team with five Stanley Cups, 15 division titles and dozens of Hall of Famers, it is extremely hard to get consideration for being one of the greatest. Though he is only in his eighth season, Jonathan Toews is already on the path to be considered one of the greats.

Toews has already had a career that has seen two Stanley Cups and numerous individual awards. He won a Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010 when the Hawks won the Stanley Cup. He was the second youngest player to do that behind Patrick Roy. Won a Frank J. Selke trophy in 2013, the same year he took home his second Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks. Toews has also taken home two Olympic gold medals, the medal in 2010 made him one of only six players to have ever won a Stanley Cup and gold medal in the same year.

Toews is one of the best, if not they best, all around players in the NHL at this time. He plays along side another player who will surely be an all-timer in Patrick Kane, but Toews is also a phenomenal leader. He was named captain after just 64 NHL games and has been the unquestionable leader since. So with his accomplishments so far, it is very possible that when it is all said and done, Toews could be the greatest player in Blackhawks history.

In comparison, the greats have more stats and accomplishments then Toews right now, but he has these players in one category, Stanley Cups. Arguably the two greatest players in Blackhawks history are Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita. Both players are at the top in team history in points, won a heck of a lot of individual awards, and were one of the best duo’s of all time. They only won a Stanley Cup in the 1960-61 season.

Whats impressive and why I think Toews could be the greatest Blackhawk of all time is his potential to win more Stanley Cups. Winning one is so hard but the experience that is gained after each one puts you in a better position to handle the next one. Toews could play for another 10+ years and it seems that as long the Hawks have him and Patrick Kane, who both signed 8-year deals last summer, they have a chance of winning it all.

The Blackhawks could very well win another cup this year. They had a very tough series against the Ducks going to a Game 7 before coming out victorious, but they have been through tough series before and you have to think they are the favorites now facing the Tampa Bay Lightning for the Stanley Cup. Toews can become an all-time great, with a couple more Stanley Cups.

Writer: Sean Cahill is an Assignment Editor at ABC 6 In Providence, RI. A New England native, Sean is a huge fan of everything hockey, especially the Boston Bruins. He is also part of a radio show, The Sports Exchange, on Sunday nights. He can be reached on Twitter @CahillSean33.